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Crab Spider (Mecaphesa spp.)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Crab Spider


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Image Credit: Hugo B., taken in CA
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Image Credit: Hugo B., taken near Barstow,CA
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Image Credit: Noah Blades Photography
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Image Credit: Noah Blades Photography
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Image Credit: Cyrus C. from El Paso, TX
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With long, outstretched front legs, Crab Spiders bear a resemblance to their crustacean cousins even though they don't always walk sideways.



Updated: 02/07/2024; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Crab Spiders are commonly seen in flowers where they wait for insects to wander by. Fast and agile, the Crab Spider can capture a fly, bee, or beetle and inject venom to paralyze it. The long front legs may be used to help hold down big or combative insects. Strong jaws help Crab Spider inject venom into prey, and their strong legs carry it back to a retreat for consumption.

The species of Crab Spiders in the Mecaphesa genus have tiny hairs protruding from the head, legs, and body. Look for them on flowers, under petals or on adjacent leaves. They may be green, yellow, white, red, brown or a mix of many colors, making them difficult to spot on bright petals and blooms.©InsectIdentification.org




Known Diet of the Crab-Spider-Mecaphesa



small insects
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General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Hairy insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Arachnida
      Order: Araneae
        Family: Thomisidae
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          Genus: Mecaphesa
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            Species: spp.

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Mecaphesa spp.
Other Name(s): Flower Spider
Category: Spider
Size (Adult; Length): 5mm to 10mm (0.19" to 0.39")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: yellow, green, red
Descriptors: hairy; stubble; lime green; bright; eight legs; wide stance; arms


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 5mm (0.2in) and 10mm (0.4in)
Lo: 5mm
Md: 7.5mm
Hi: 10mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
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Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Crab Spider may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Crab Spider. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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